, chancellor merkel, is the one who maybe has the most influence in this whole crisis, because of the relationship with president putin. what is that relationship? >> well, i mean, let's say it, you know, vladimir putin has the greatest influence here but merkel is probably in the best position among western leaders, you know, to talk to him, to communicate to him, and try to convince him to deescalate. obviously her words in the last couple of days talking to putin directly and her comments yesterday about the importance of getting the osce team released, you know, we see that that gesture today, obviously, we still see a dire situation that represents a serious threa. obviously, the conditions for that election are very, very difficult. >> we just heard the clip from president obama helicopters than taken down by surface to air missiles. grass root groups seem to have some access to sophisticated weaponry. how does that change things for the west if these types of things are happening and it's not grassroots anymore? >> i don't know where the -- what the source of those weapons were